ELECTRIC WINCH GUIDE

Prepare the Area

Ensure the trailer is parked on flat, stable ground and the tow vehicle's handbrake is firmly applied. The trailer should be stationary and stable before operating the winch under load.

Deploy the trailer ramp fully and check it is stable. Clear the area — no bystanders within the swing zone of the cable.

Spool Out the Cable

Engage the freespool lever on the winch to allow the cable to unwind freely. Carefully pull the hook end down the ramp and out to the load.

• Never let the cable unwind uncontrolled — guide it out under gentle tension.
• Leave a minimum of 5–6 wraps of cable on the drum at all times — using the last wraps of cable significantly reduces the pulling capacity and can damage the drum anchor.
• Keep the cable as straight as possible between the winch and the load — sideways pulls reduce capacity and can damage the fairlead.

Attach to the Load

Attach the winch hook to a solid, rated attachment point on the load — a tow eye, tow hitch, or recovery point. Do not attach to:

• Plastic bumpers, trim, or bodywork
• Suspension arms or steering components
• Exhaust pipes or brake lines
• Axle shafts or wheel rims

The hook must be fully seated in the attachment point. Ensure the hook latch is engaged and the gate is closed before applying tension.

Engage the Winch and Haul In

Engage the drum lock (freespool OFF) before applying power. Use the winch remote or control switch to power the cable in slowly.

• Apply tension gradually — do not shock-load the cable with a hard pull.
• Take up all slack in the cable before the load feels the full pull.
• Stand to the side — never in line with the cable. If the cable or hook fails under tension, it releases with extreme force.
• Drape a winch dampener (heavy blanket or jacket) over the cable midway if available — this absorbs energy if the cable snaps.
• Operate the winch in short bursts to avoid overheating the motor. Pause for 30–60 seconds between long pulls.

Secure the Load Before Releasing the Winch

Once the vehicle or load is in position on the trailer, apply the load's own handbrake and/or wheel chocks before releasing the winch hook. Never release the winch hook while it is still supporting the load's position — especially on a slope.

• Apply ratchet straps to secure the load before releasing winch tension.
• Once load is secured, release the winch hook and stow the cable.

Pack Down the Winch

After use, rewind the cable neatly onto the drum under light tension to prevent loose spooling (loose cable layers can collapse under load during the next use).

• Feed the cable in under gentle hand tension to guide it in neat, tight wraps.
• Park the hook in the fairlead or hook holder — do not leave it dangling loose.
• Engage the drum lock so the cable cannot unspool during towing.
• Check for cable damage — if you notice kinks, fraying, birdcaging, or broken strands, do not use the winch and report it via your booking email link before returning.